The president of the Jefferson Federation of Teachers, a union for public-school employees, was arrested Thursday (Oct. 11) on accusations of growing marijuana, according to Orleans Parish court records.

Jessie Isidore, who this year began leading the local teachers' union, was booked with cultivation of marijuana, court records show. Isidore, 33, formerly taught at Riverdale High School.

The Jefferson Federation of Teachers, a Metairie-based affiliate of the Louisiana and American Federations of Teachers, on Friday released a statement regarding Isidore's arrest, describing him as "a young man dedicated to public education."

"We are saddened to hear of his arrest," the organization said in the statement. "We believe in the presumption of innocence, and will not comment on the charges against him at this point. While the process moves forward, the staff of the Jefferson Federation of Teachers will continue to handle the needs of its members."

The Jefferson Federation of Teachers will release more information Tuesday regarding Isidore's arrest, the statement said.

Isidore's bond was set at $3,000 and as of Friday night, he did not appear in a roster of Orleans Parish jail inmates.